Three arrests after woman (18) dies when car careers off Hurn Road, between Ringwood and Matchams

THREE people were arrested after a woman died when a car careered off a main road between Ringwood and Matchams.

Paramedics and police responded to a call-out just after 9.30pm on Saturday, reporting a BMW 1 Series left Hurn Road and sustained extensive damage.

An 18-year-old passenger in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family has been informed.

Three other occupants were all taken to hospital, with one believed to have sustained serious injuries. The other two suffered minor injuries.

Officers arrested two men and a woman, all aged 18, on suspicion of driving offences.

Road closures were put in place as emergency services dealt with the incident and an investigation was launched.

Sgt Mile Gatfield, of Dorset’s traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the young woman who sadly died, and officers are supporting her family.

“We are conducting a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I am keen to hear from any witnesses to the incident, or the manner of driving of the vehicle involved prior to it.

“I would also urge anyone who may have captured any relevant dash cam footage to please contact us.”

He added: “Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures - these are necessary to allow the emergency services to respond and for an examination of the scene to be carried out.”

Anyone with information should contact the force online at dorset.police.uk or by emailing scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or calling 101, quoting incident reference number 55230147318.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.